After WSOF-debut win, Yushin Okami to headline WSOF 12 in Japan

After a successful WSOF debut on Saturday, former UFC title challenger Yushin Okami will headline WSOF 12, the organization’s debut event in Japan.

WSOF officials announced the plans following Saturday’s WSOF 9 event in Japan.

According to the WSOF, the event takes place Aug. 2 in Tokyo, though a venue wasn’t announced. The show is expected to air on NBC Sports Network following prelims on MMAjunkie.

An opponent hasn’t been finalized for Okami (30-8), who will fight in his home country for the first time since UFC on FUEL TV 8 in early 2013.

The UFC released the 32-year-old fighter in September following a TKO loss to fast-rising contender Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza. Prior to the defeat, Okami had won three straight fights while beating the likes of Hector Lombard and Alan Belcher. However, his price tag and a propensity for decisions ultimately led the UFC to part ways with him.

On Saturday, in his first non-UFC fight in nearly eight years and 19 fights, Okami made short work of heavy underdog Svetlozar Savov. After a series of takedowns and ground-and-pound, he ultimately tapped out Savov with a third-round arm-triangle choke. It was his first submission win since he tapped out Rory Singer at UFC 66 in 2006.

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